Overview

The Hella Marine 996476502 is a handheld LED search light with a long-range beam pattern, built for night running, docking checks, and picking up buoys, markers, and obstacles from a safe distance. Output is 3500 lumens with 29W power draw, and the electronics support both 12V and 24V DC systems.

Power comes through a 3.5 m spiral cable with a cigarette-style plug, so it is ready for boats that have a 12V or 24V accessory socket at the helm or in the cockpit. The integrated trigger switch sits on the handle for one-handed use and can be pulsed for Morse-code signalling when needed.

The body is die-cast aluminium with a CoroSafe coating and is completely sealed, with IP6K8 and IP6K9K protection ratings for wet weather, heavy spray, and washdowns.

Key features

• Long-range handheld search light for navigation checks, docking, and emergency illumination.
• 3500 lumen output.
• 29W power consumption (2.42A at 12V DC, 1.21A at 24V DC).
• Multivolt electronics for 12V and 24V DC systems, with protection against reverse polarity, spikes, and over-voltage.
• 3.5 m spiral cable with cigarette-style plug for fast connection to a helm or cockpit accessory socket.
• Integrated trigger switch and handle for controlled use and signalling.
• Die-cast aluminium housing with CoroSafe coating and a fully sealed build rated to IP6K8 and IP6K9K.

Power and connection

This light is meant to be powered from a boat’s DC accessory outlet rather than hardwired. Confirm you have a matching socket and a circuit that can comfortably supply the load (up to 2.42A on 12V). If your accessory outlet is on a shared panel, keep an eye on voltage drop and connection condition, since handheld lights are often used when batteries are already under load.

Use cases on board

It fits well on boats that run after dark or launch early, especially when you want a handheld beam to check channel markers, confirm dock cleats and lines, scan for floating debris, or find a mooring pickup without turning on every deck light. It is also a practical piece of kit for tenders, safety bags, and commercial crews that need a reliable search beam on demand.

Durability in the marine environment

The sealed construction and coated metal housing are suited to salt air, spray, and the bumps that come with being passed around a moving boat. After use on deck, stow it where the cable will not be pinched, and let the spiral lead relax rather than keeping it tightly stretched for long periods.

Maintenance and care

Rinse off salt and grime with fresh water, especially around the plug and cable entry, then dry before storage. Periodically check the cigarette plug and socket for corrosion or looseness, since poor contact can cause heat and intermittent operation.